Your Pool And The Environment…
Posted on May 12th, 2009 by fireyourpoolguy
Over the past couple of months I’ve spent quite a bit of time focusing on chemicals, proper treatment to various issues and how to save money on chems…
Over the next week or so, I’m going to drastically switch gears and discuss some things that you can start doing right now to not only save money on your pool and reduce electricity consumption, but also reduce your “carbon footprint” that we’re all contributing to.
I’m also working on a short report that pertains to pump and filter maintenance - other than this item, I’ll be focusing on environmentally friendly measures for our pool over the next week.
This new report will be released within 72 hours…
There are 3 costs associated with swimming pool ownership…when we understand them and what they are we can get a better grip on how to control the cost associated with each of them. The 3 Pillars Of Swimming Pool Expenses:
Cost #1: Electricity
Cost #2: Chemicals
Cost #3: Equipment/parts
Over the next week or so I’ll be spending quite a bit of time addressing electricity consumption…
I think it’s important for everyone to help our environment - every little bit does count and we can make a difference. At the end of the day, nickels do add up…
I want you to stay tuned in the coming days…I’ll be discussing solar energy, energy efficient pumps, dual speed pumps and all sorts of awesome information you can put to work for you immediately.
Today, I’ll be addressing a few basic steps one can take right away to conserve on energy…and there wallet too.
Here’s a few ideas to reduce your monthly electricity consumption and to save money at the same time…
1. Cut back on equipment run time. Throughout most of the country, electricity runs .07 to .12 cents per kWh.
It’s also consistently getting more and more expensive. Shaving back to 6 hours a day during the summer and 4 during the off season (unless you winterize) alone can save $10-20 per month. I would not go any less than these hours. This is without even blinking or really “trying” to save anything…
2. 2 (or more) speed pool pumps. A Two-speed pool pump is a standard pump with an additional low-speed winding. The low-speed mode allows filtration at a cheaper cost per gallon, dramatically reducing the energy cost of a pool. As the two-speed pool pump runs slower, friction and pressure are decreased.
An easy way to look at this is…if a pump is working harder (a higher speed), it’s utilizing more electricity to do so.
Example: Your car will burn less fuel running at say 40 MPH compared to 75.
California began mandating (last year) mandating multi-speed pumps. I hope more states turn to this for new pool construction at least.
With the pump running at a lower speed, it will take a bit longer to “turn” the water, but I believe well worth the sacrifice.
3. Operate your pool during “non peak” usage. Most utility companies charge less for non peak hours. Run your equipment during this time. You’ll save money and your pool will be OK (against popular belief). There’s few things in life more frustrating than when I hear, “Yeah, but I have to run my pool in the heart of the day….”. Honestly, it’s not bad to run your equipment in the evening.
Over the next week, I’ll be digging into the topic of our environment in quite a bit of detail. Every small bit helps…together, I’m confident we can make a difference.
All the best,
Terry Duff
P.S. Stay tuned to your email for a super EXCITING announcement over the next few days!
Filed under: General Information, Swimming Pool Chemicals, Swimming Pool Salt Systems, Uncategorized
